Reliable bowyer to retro longbow to 2-piece?

[TSP]

I'd like to buy a new Hill 2-piece longbow but after checking into the total price (even for a bow blank) its a little scary      .  

So, I'm considering having my one-piece Hill Wesley retrofitted with either a brass sleeve or a Bow Bolt...but only if I can find a reliable bowyer who has experience and is comfortable with doing this kind of work.  Anyone know of such a bowyer?

[wingnut]

Ted Fry at Raptor Archery does that kinda work and does it well.

Mike

[Bear Heart]

This peaks my interest.  Does it work with a dished grip?

[Bill Turner]

I'd be surprized if you found someone to tackle that job. You might give Jim Belcher of Belcher Bows a call. His bow hospital is great. By the way, did you ask Craig about doing the work for you? He knows the Hill's like no one else and he'll be honest with you. Good luck.  

[Soilarch]

Jim Belcher is across the pond, and I think mainly does refinishing and weight reduction...but he highly regarded here on tradgang.
  http://www.belcherbows.com/bow_hospital.htm  

Craig Warren (member here) makes something called the bow bolt.  Supposed to be the cat's meow when it comes to takedown systemes.  Don't think he offers installation but he would know who has used the product a lot and I think would be able to get you in touch with several bowyers.
  http://www.warrenarchery.com/  

Good luck.

EDIT: Sorry, obviously didn't read the original post very well. You know already know about the bow-bolt

[TSP]

Wingnut, thanks for the tip on Raptor Archery, I'll contact Ted.

Soilarch, I know Craig W. and have spoken to him in the past about his Bow Bolt and retrofitting.  You're right, he doesn't offer that service and apparently there aren't many that do for that system.  

Bill, I haven't asked Craig E. about a sleeve retrofit but haven't heard that he's done any, nor does he doesn't mention it on his website.  I'd think he wouldn't provide that service simply because it could detract from his new TD sales...i.e., probably not a good business move for him.

[vermonster13]

It's not recommended to retro-fit a bow with the bowbolt. The riser needs to be properly designed with using it in mind.

[flint kemper]

Belcher is is Michigan not across the pond. I agree check with Ted from Raptor as well. Flint

[Bootlegger]

I have seen some that Ted has done, you won't be disappointed.

[Gordon martiniuk]

Why cheap out and wreck a good bow ... I bet most bowyers will stay away from that one you should too  

[owlbait]

Belcher might be across the pond visiting. I'm waiting for him to return my e-mail about a bowfishing bow he is designing! Hope to see him in K-Zoo. I would still give him a call about your predictament though.

[Greg Skinner]

A few years ago I finished a HH bow blank and attached a connexion hinge in the process.  It was a modified retro-fit since the blank was already tillered and ready to finish.  It was actually pretty easy to do because the hinge is attached before the bow is cut in two, so the alignment is not compromised.  I looked at the process involved in retrofitting the bow bolt and it is not something I would want to try.  I really like the sleeve system but it seems as though it would be very difficult to maintain overall alignment in a retrofit.  I lost that original HH in a house fire and have since replaced it with a Halfbreed with the small sleeve (finished completely by Craig).  I keep thinking I would like to get another blank to finish with the hinge again (it's a really fun project), but I like the feel of the small sleeve so well I am still debating about just having Craig build me another sleeve takedown.  In answer to your original question, it seems to me it would be easier to find someone who would retrofit with the Connexion Hinge than either of the other systems.  Even knowing how relatively easy it is to retro the hinge, I would be reluctant to take a bow that I really liked and put it at risk by such an action.  I would lean toward saving up your coins and getting a new HH from Craig with the sleeve TD or get the blank and fit it with the hinge. JMO

[Bjorn]

The lower bow was two halves that I made into one takedown and re-tillered.
 
I would not cut my favorite bow in half under any circumstances.
Ted at Raptor is a craftsman and if anyone can be relied upon he can-but it is not a cinch, and it won't be the same bow.

[Craig Warren]

Tony,

Good advice in some of the posts above.  You probably shouldn't cut your favorite bow in half.  If you want to go the retrofit route, wait until you can find a similar bow at a good price and I'll help you with the installation.  

It would probably work in your current bow, but "probably" is the best you can expect.  I've done a bunch of retrofits, and all but one have held up well.  The one that didn't lasted about three years before it failed.  It was a 21st Century and the grip was just too small in circumfrence and it was well used to begin with. It was only about an inch across and an inch and 1/4 front to back. I did it with the understanding that there could be no guarantees.  The customer understood and wanted to do it anyway.  
If you want to bring yours down to the shop, I'd be happy to check it out and help you with the installation if we both agree that is a good candidate.

Since I moved to New Gloucester, my guess is that it would only be about a 35 minute dirve.

Have a very merry Christmas,
Craig